Molecular Biology of Collagen Matrix in the Heart

Molecular Biology of Collagen Matrix in the Heart Synopsis

This book is about the molecular and cellular biology of the collagen matrix of the heart. It is now recognized that the remodeling of the fibrillar collagen matrix that occurs under various pathophysiological conditions may adversely alter myocardial stiffness and ultimately lead to heart failure. This book begins with a comprehensive introductory chapter on the collagen matrix in general, including information on collagen types and their tissue specificity. The book then focuses on different aspects of the molecular and cellular biology of the collagen matrix in the heart, the impact of growth factors on the expression of the myocardial collagen matrix, and myocardial collagen gene regulation under pathophysiological conditions.